Disturbed family functioning in patients suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
23348173
Owner:
NLM
Status:
In-Data-Review

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

Aim To investigate whether the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology is related to speciic family problems. Methods The study included 94 subjects who were divided into three groups: a group with posttraumatic stress disorder (based on PCL for DSM-IV National Center for PTSD) (N=31), a group with problems in postwar functioning but without posttraumatic stress disorder (N=33), a group of subjects who were mobilized but with no combat exposure experience (N=30). The irst and the second group had the experience of combat exposure. The irst group was experimental, being diagnosed with PTSD. The second and the third group were control groups (the irst and the second control group). The groups were compared by intensity and quality of family dysfunction, in relation to parameters, determined by speciic instruments used in this research. Results The subjects with the experience of combat exposure had the problems in family functioning independently of the existence of PTSD diagnosis. Many of these problems were caused by the damage of combat experience. We also found a high level of secondary traumatization among other family members. Conclusion The combat experience causes problems in postwar family functioning of combatants independently of PTSD diagnosis being conirmed. It is, therefore, necessary to help all of the combatants and their families reintegrate, regardless of their PTSD diagnosis.